Principal Planning Policy Officer

Basingstoke And Deane Borough Council; United States; Hybrid; USD 67,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is seeking two Principal Planning Policy Officers to shape policy, guide the Local Plan and delivery programmes across urban and rural areas. You will prepare policy documents, commission studies, and advise councillors and developers to deliver high-quality planning policy.

You will bring RTPI accredited qualifications and demonstrable experience in Local Plan preparation, with strong project management, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Qualifications

• RTPI accredited degree or RTPI postgraduate qualification.
• Experience in planning policy and Local Plan preparation.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and implement planning policy documents under the new planning system.
• Commission and manage evidence-based studies that inform policy development.
• Provide expert planning advice to councillors, colleagues, developers, stakeholders and local communities.
• Support the council's infrastructure, regeneration and delivery programmes.
• Lead planning policy work on major strategic development sites.
• Work closely with rural communities on neighbourhood planning initiatives.
• Contribute to significant regeneration and urban extension projects.

Skills

Policy knowledge

Project management

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Presentation skills

Education

RTPI accredited degree

RTPI membership

Job description

Help shape the future of one of the South East's most ambitious boroughs.

At Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, we're planning positively for growth, prosperity and sustainable development. As we expand our Planning Policy Team, we're looking for two Principal Planning Policy Officers who are passionate about creating great places, influencing strategic planning decisions, and helping deliver our vision for the future.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing and supportive team at a pivotal moment. We have recently begun preparing a new Local Plan under the new planning system, making this the perfect time to become involved in every stage of the plan-making process and play a key role in shaping the borough's future. With a unique mix of urban and rural areas, Basingstoke and Deane offers a diverse and rewarding planning environment.

About the role

As a Principal Planning Policy Officer, you will help deliver a high-quality planning policy service and take responsibility for key aspects of planning policy preparation and implementation. Your work will span a range of policy documents, from the Local Plan and Supplementary Plans to design codes and neighbourhood planning.

• Prepare and implement planning policy documents under the new planning system.
• Commission and manage evidence-based studies that inform policy development.
• Provide expert planning advice to councillors, colleagues, developers, stakeholders and local communities.
• Support the council's infrastructure, regeneration and delivery programmes.
• Lead planning policy work on major strategic development sites.
• Work closely with rural communities on neighbourhood planning initiatives
• Contribute to significant regeneration and urban extension projects.

You will hold an RTPI-accredited degree or postgraduate qualification and be a member of the RTPI. You will also bring experience in planning policy and a sound understanding of current planning practice, particularly Local Plan preparation and implementation.

You will have:

• Strong knowledge of planning legislation, policy and guidance.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills.
• The ability to analyse complex information and develop robust planning policies.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• The confidence to present information to a wide range of audiences and build effective working relationships.

What it's like to work here

There is such a variety of policy work at Basingstoke and the team includes infrastructure, urban design and transport planning. The balance of home working and office-based collaboration supports close team working whilst providing flexibility.

Join us and help shape the future of Basingstoke and Deane.